Ray Allen Feels Validation for Signing with Heat

Chris Trotman/Getty Images(NEW YORK) -- When Ray Allen left the Boston Celtics to sign with the Miami Heat, he received a heap of criticism from Boston fans. Still, with the Heat getting ready to play in the NBA Finals for a third straight year, Allen feels like his decision has officially been justified.

"We wanted to win, we didn't want to be in a situation where we were going to struggle," Allen said when asked why he decided to sign with Miami. "Sitting here in this situation, it's a great relief. Because sometimes you take a gamble."

"Your family believes in you, and we're here and I can say that we're in the situation we put ourselves in and we're happy with it. We know that we can see the end of the road," he continued.

During the offseason, Allen turned down a three-year deal with the Celtics worth $9.5 million. Instead, Allen signed a two-year contract with Miami for just $6.2 million.

The 37-year-old Allen spent five seasons with the Celtics, and won an NBA Championship with the team during the 2007-2008 season.